His first game in charge will be away to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday and the midfield veteran revealed his life has been hectic over the past few days.

“There are a lot more working hours in my day and it has been draining at times,” he said.

“I’ve been starting at around 7am and finishing at 11.30pm, so it’s certainly been a strange transition from player to interim manager.

“As a player I would just be getting up in the morning, coming to training and then going home to relax and selfishly making sure I’m doing the best for myself to prepare.

“It’s all change now and Monday was one of the longest days I’d ever had. I love football, though, so this is what I want, and I’m really excited about the opportunity I’ve been given.”

David Dunn (Image: Matt Ratcliffe)

The former England international has already begun to stamp his authority on the side after sending two of his strikers out on loan.

Rhys Murphy has joined Crawley Town on a three-month deal while Rhys Turner is spending a month with York City.

With two forwards leaving, Oldham hope to bring in another attacking option before Saturday’s game.

After spending two months as a Latics player, Dunn is now ‘the gaffer’ but he doesn’t expect that to be a problem.

“Less than a week ago I was one of them but I don’t want it to become a situation where they can’t speak to me, as it’s important that we have that relationship between a manager and a player,” he said.

“If players are happy off the pitch then they will come into training and matches more likely to perform, so if I can help them in any way then I will always be here.

“There has to some distance, though, as we’re not best mates. Luckily I had only been here for around six weeks so while there were a few bonds, none of us were too attached.”